Alpha 40 with Spektrum™ DX5e Assembly manual Specifications Wingspan........................................63.0 in (160 cm) Length w/Spinner............................52.5 in (133 cm) Wing Area.............................710 sq in (45.8 sq dm) Flying Weight............ 5.25 - 5.75 lb (2.40 - 2.60 kg) Engine Size............................... .45 cu in (included) Radio...............................Spektrum DX5e (included) Servos . .......................................
NOTICE: All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date product literature, visit http://www.horizonhobby.com and click on the support tab for this product.
Section 7: Wing Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Section 8: Your Spektrum DX5e Radio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Section 9: Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Section 10: Digital Trims . . . . . . . . . .
Optional Parts and Accessories • Fieldmate Prebuilt Field Box (HAN117) • Metered Glow Driver w/Ni-Cd and Charger (HAN7101) • Manual Fuel Pump (HAN118) • Aluminum Transmitter Case for Single Tx (HAN124) • Long Reach Glow Plug Wrench (HAN2510) • Transmitter Stand (HAN2525) • Hangar 9 Straw Hat (HANP303) • Sealing Iron Sock (HAN141) • Covering Glove (HAN150) • MOSFET Power Panel (HAN106) • PowerPro™ 12V Starter (HAN161) • Double Vision™ Fast Field Charger (HAN114) • Digital Variable Load Voltmeter (H
Phoenix R/C Get ready to fly like you’ve never flown before. PhoenixRC’s flight sim is the only simulator with a genuine Spektrum™ DX5e 2.4GHz DSM2™ transmitter you can use on screen or at the field. This sim features advanced heli and aircraft training modes, as well as more than 100 aircraft from Horizon Hobby brands you know and love. Brands like JR® Heli, E-flite® and Hangar 9®. You can even fly with other pilots around the world via an internet multiplayer mode.
Contents of Kit A. HAN4401 Wing Set w/Wing Tube B. HAN4402 Fuselage C. HAN4403 Tail Set D. HAN4404 Aluminum Wing Tube E. HAN4405 Decal Sheet F. HAN2454 Landing Gear Set (does not include wheels) HAN304 2.5-inch Wheels (2) HAN305 2.75-inch Wheels (2) G. EVOE200S Evolution Power System Orange Spinner H. EVOE100P Evolution Power System Propeller I. EVOE100 Evolution Trainer Power System B I F H A C G F D 6 12843.1_HAN_Alpha40_SpektrumManual.
Section 1: Landing Gear Installation Required Parts • Fuselage • Landing gear strap (2) • Main landing gear assembly (2) • 3mm x 12mm sheet metal screw (4) Step 3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to install the remaining landing gear assembly. Required Tools and Adhesives • Phillips screwdriver: #2 o Step 1 Locate one of the landing gear assemblies. Insert the end of the wire into the hole in the fuselage. Step 4 Locate one of the landing gear straps.
Section 1: Landing Gear Installation Step 5 Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver and two 3mm x 12mm sheet metal screws to secure one of the straps to the bottom of the fuselage. Step 6 Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to secure the remaining landing gear strap to the bottom of the fuselage. 8 12843.1_HAN_Alpha40_SpektrumManual.
Section 2: Fin and Stabilizer Installation Required Parts • Fin/Rudder assembly • #4 washer (4) • Stabilizer/Elevator assembly • Wing nut (2) • 3mm x 10mm machine screw (2) Step 3 Use scissors to cut the end of the tube of threadlock. Cut only the corner so the application of the threadlock can be controlled easier than if the whole end were cut off. Required Tools and Adhesives • Threadlock • Scissors • Phillips screwdriver: #2 Step 1 Locate the fin and stabilizer assemblies.
Section 2: Fin and Stabilizer Installation Step 5 o Step 7 Thread the two wing nuts onto the threaded rods to secure the fin to the stabilizer. Don't over-tighten the wing nut and damage the underlying wood. Locate a #4 washer and 3mm x 10mm machine screw. Slide the washer onto the screw, then apply a small amount of threadlock on the screw. Step 6 o Step 8 Slide the fin into position.
Section 2: Fin and Stabilizer Installation Step 9 Step 11 Repeat Steps 7 and 8 to install the second screw. Connect the clevis to the center hole of the rudder control horn. The alignment of the rudder will be covered later in this manual. Step 10 Connect the clevis to the center hole of the elevator control horn. The alignment of the elevator will be covered later in this manual. Attach clevis to center hole 11 12843.1_HAN_Alpha40_SpektrumManual.
Section 3: Propeller and Spinner Installation Required Parts • Fuselage assembly • Propeller Step 3 • Spinner assembly Required Tools and Adhesives • Adjustable wrench • Hex wrench: 2.5mm Slide the propeller onto the engine crankshaft. The blades of the propeller will be positioned against the bosses for the spinner screws of the spinner backplate as shown below. Step 1 Remove the plastic shipping saver, nut and washer from the engine crankshaft.
Section 3: Propeller and Spinner Installation Step 5 Step 7 Thread the propeller nut onto the engine crankshaft. Slide the spinner cone over the propeller. It will fit into the grooves in the spinner backplate when installed. Step 6 Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the propeller nut, securing the propeller and spinner backplate onto the engine crankshaft. Step 8 Use the three 3mm x 10mm sheet metal screws supplied with the spinner to secure the spinner cone to the spinner backplate.
Section 4: Wing Dowel Installation Required Parts • Fuselage assembly Step 3 • Wing dowel (2) Required Tools and Adhesives • Thin CA Use the following photo to confirm the location of the wing dowel installation in the fuselage. Step 1 Slide the wing dowel into the pre-drilled holes in the front of the fuselage. Center the dowel so it extends equally from both sides of the fuselage. Step 4 Apply thin CA into the joint between the dowel and fuselage to keep it from moving.
Section 5: Wing Assembly Required Parts • Wing panel (left and right) • Wing tube • Clear tape Note: The following covers the assembly of the wing without the use of glue. The wing, when joined in this method, is very strong and does not need to be glued together. You will want to purchase additional clear tape if you plan on breaking the wing down into two pieces for transportation purposes.
Section 5: Wing Assembly Step 5 Connect the clevises from the aileron pushrods to the aileron control horns. The alignment of the ailerons will be checked later in this manual.
Section 5b: Gluing the Wing Halves Step 2 Step 4 Mix 1/2-ounce total (15ML) of 30-minute epoxy. Use an epoxy brush to apply a thin layer of epoxy to each of the wing roots as shown. As you slide the wing panels together, make sure the pin at the back (trailing edge) of the wing slides into the hole of the receiving wing panel. Slide the two wing panels tightly together so there is no gap between the two.
Section 5b: Optional: Gluing the Wing Halves Step 6 Step 8 Use tape (painter's tape suggested) to keep the two wing panels tight against each other until the epoxy is fully cured. Connect the clevises from the aileron pushrods to the aileron control horns. The alignment of the ailerons will be checked later in this manual. Step 7 After the epoxy has fully cured, use a covering iron to apply the covering to the joint of the wing.
Section 6: Centering the Control Surfaces Required Parts • Assembled airframe Required Tools and Adhesives • Ruler Checking the Elevator Checking the Rudder Center the rudder stick and trim. If necessary, detach the clevis from the control horn and thread the clevis in or out on the rudder pushrod until the rudder is aligned with the fin as shown. Remember to attach the clevis back in the center hole as described earlier in the manual. Center the elevator stick and trim.
Section 7: Wing Installation Required Parts • Wing assembly • Rubber band (10) Step 3 • Fuselage assembly Install a second set of rubber bands on the wing as shown. Step 1 Locate the aileron extension that is inside the fuselage. Align the colors from the aileron servo lead with the extension so they match, then plug them together. Step 4 Continue installing a total of six or more of the rubber bands, alternating the direction of each set until they have all been installed.
Section 8: Your Spektrum DX5e Radio System Antenna Trainer Switch HI/LO Rate Switch Channel 5 Switch Throttle and Rudder Stick Aileron and Elevator Stick Throttle Trim Elevator Trim Rudder Trim Aileron Trim On/Off Switch Trainer Port Charge Jack Reversing Switches Mix Switch Mode 2 Section 9: Battery Installation Remove the battery door and install 4 AA batteries noting the polarity of each corresponds with the diagram in the battery holder. Replace the battery door. Note: Optional NiMH 1.
Section 10: Digital Trims The DX5e features digital trims. Each time a trimmer is moved the servo output will change one step. If the trimmer is held, the output will scroll in that direction until the trimmer is released or the output reaches its end. Throttle Trim Elevator Trim Rudder Trim Aileron Trim Mode 2 Section 11: Low Battery Alarm When the battery voltage drops below 4.7 volts an alarm will sound and the voltage LEDs will flash.
Section 13: Binding Binding is the process of teaching the receiver the specific code of the transmitter so it will connect to that specific transmitter which it is bound to. The transmitter and receiver for your Alpha 40 RTF has already been bound, but this section has been included as reference. The Spektrum receiver must be bound to the transmitter before it will operate. Once bound, the receiver will only connect to that transmitter.
Section 13: Binding Step 3 Step 5 Turn on the receiver switch. The LED on the receiver should be flashing, indicating that the receiver is ready to bind. Pull and hold the trainer switch on the top of the transmitter while turning on the power switch. Turning on the switch will place the transmitter into bind mode. Within a few seconds the system should connect and the LEDs on the front of the transmitter will flash. The LED on the receiver should go solid indicating the system has connected.
Section 13: Binding Step 6 Step 7 After the system is bound, turn off the power on the transmitter and receiver. Then remove the bind plug from the receiver and store it in a convenient place. Unplug the power lead from the aileron extension and plug it back into the power/bind port of the receiver. Turn on the transmitter and receiver to confirm that it is bound and working properly. Then replace the receiver cover in the fuselage. 25 12843.1_HAN_Alpha40_SpektrumManual.
Section 14: Checking the Control Surface Movement Required Parts • Transmitter • Assembled airframe The control direction has been set at the factory. This section has been provided in case any servos or control surfaces are replaced so the control direction can be checked at a later date. Check the movement of the elevator with the radio system. Pulling the elevator/aileron stick (right stick on the transmitter) back will make the airplane elevator move up.
Section 14: Checking the Control Surface Movement Checking the Ailerons Check the movement of the aileron using the transmitter. When the aileron/elevator stick is moved left, the left aileron will move up and the right aileron will move down. The will cause the aircraft to roll left in flight. Check the movement of the aileron using the transmitter. When the elevator/aileron stick is moved right, the right aileron will move up and the left aileron will move down.
Section 14: Checking the Control Surface Movement Checking the Rudder Check the movement of the rudder using the transmitter. When the left stick is moved left, the rudder should also move left. This will cause the aircraft to turn left while on the ground and to yaw left while in flight. Check the movement of the rudder using the transmitter. When the rudder/throttle stick (left side of the transmitter) is moved right, the rudder should also move right.
Section 14: Checking the Control Surface Movement Reversing Direction of Flight Controls If you find any of the control surfaces moving in the opposite direction (example shown below), you will need to use the Servo Reversing feature of your radio system. Follow the instructions included with your radio to change the servo reversing of the offending control surface. Right Wrong 29 12843.1_HAN_Alpha40_SpektrumManual.
Section 15: Hi/Lo Rate The DX5e offers a high/low rate function on aileron, elevator and rudder. When the HI/LO rate switch is in the upper position or “HI” position, 100% travel is achieved on the aileron, elevator and rudder channels. When the switch is in the lower position, a reduced travel of 70% is achieved on the aileron, elevator and rudder channels.
Section 16: Setting the Control Throws Required Parts • Transmitter Aileron Throw • Assembled airframe Required Tools and Adhesives • Ruler The control throws from the factory are preset in the transmitter. This section has been provided in case any servos or control surfaces are replaced so the control throws can be checked at a later date. Use a ruler to check the amount of throw for the aileron. Move the aileron stick fully and check the measurements.
Section 17: Checking the Throttle Operation Required Parts • Fuselage assembly Throttle Open • Transmitter Throttle Closed Move the throttle stick and trim down to the fully closed position as shown. The carburetor should close without binding the throttle servo. If the servo binds, you will need to adjust the clevis at the carburetor by threading it in or out to eliminate any binding. Move the throttle stick up, or the fully open, position as shown.
Section 17: Checking the Throttle Operation Throttle Set to Idle Move the throttle stick down to the fully closed position. Move the trim lever upward to open the carburetor roughly 1/16-inch (1.5mm). This will be the idle position for your engine. The idle will be fine-tuned at the field so the engine will idle reliably without stalling for slow flight and landing procedures. 33 12843.1_HAN_Alpha40_SpektrumManual.
Section 18: Balancing Your Alpha RTF In order for your Alpha 40 RTF to fly correctly, you will need to check the balance of the plane with the fuel tank empty. This is done by supporting the aircraft either using your fingers or by using a balancing stand. Not checking the balance can result in an aircraft that is difficult to fly, which can lead to the possibility of crashing your model.
Section 18: Balancing Your Alpha RTF Adding Weights to Correct the Balance Due to manufacturing differences, it is possible that the Alpha 40 RTF may not be balanced properly. Weights can be added to either the tail or the nose of your Alpha RTF if it does not balance properly. Stick-on weights available at your local hobby store are the easiest to use, and come in sizes that are easily placed on your plane. Add just enough weight as necessary to balance your plane.
Section 20: How to Range Test the DX5e Before each flying session, and especially with a new model, it is important to perform a range check. The DX5e incorporates a range testing system which, when placed in the RANGE CHECK mode with the trainer switch activated and held, reduces the output power, allowing a range check. Range Testing the DX5e Step 1 With the model resting on the ground, stand 30 paces (approx. 90 feet) away from the model.
Section 21: Starting and Adjusting the Evolution Engine Fuel Step 5 The Evolution Engine comes adjusted from the factory. We recommend using high quality Cool Power Omega, Hangar 9® AeroBlend™ or Power Master fuels containing 10 to 15% Nitro. The Evolution Engine has been test run using these fuels. If another brand of fuel is used, it may be necessary to slightly adjust the needle valves to compensate for the differences in fuel. Attach the glow driver.
Section 22: Maintaining Your Alpha 40 RTF The following is a check list that you should follow every time you have completed a flying session with your Alpha 40 RTF. Doing so will keep your aircraft in the best flying condition. Clean Up After any flying session with your Alpha 40 RTF, you will want to clean it up before loading it into your vehicle to head home. Use glass cleaner and a paper towel to wipe down the exterior of your plane, removing the fuel residue.
Section 22: Maintaining Your Alpha 40 RTF Check the Engine Mount Bolts Adjusting the Steering Trim Remove the spinner and propeller from the engine. Remove the exhaust stacks from the fuselage, and then remove the cowling from the fuselage. Remove the muffler from the engine, and then use a Phillips screwdriver to make sure the four bolts securing the engine to the mount are tight. When adjusting the steering trim, do not use the trim on the transmitter.
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Pilots • Ensure that your batteries have been properly charged prior to your initial flight. • Keep track of the time the system is turned on so you will know how long you can safely operate your system. • Perform a ground range check prior to the initial flight of the day. See the “Daily Flight Checks Section” for information. • Check all control surfaces prior to each takeoff.
Glossary of Terms Ailerons: Each side of this airplane has a hinged control surface (aileron), located on the trailing edge of the wing. Move the aileron stick on the transmitter left, the left aileron moves up and the right aileron moves down. Moving the left aileron up causes more drag and less lift, causing the left wing to drop down. When the right aileron moves down, more lift is created, causing the right wing to rise. This interaction causes the airplane to turn or roll to the left.
Building and Flying Notes 12843.1_HAN_Alpha40_SpektrumManual.
2010 Official Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code GENERAL 1. A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human carrying device capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It shall not exceed limitations established in this code and is intended to be used exclusively for recreational or competition activity. 2. The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules. 3.
2010 Official Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code Radio Control 1. All model flying shall be conducted in a manner to avoid over flight of unprotected people. 2. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground-range check before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft. 3. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become a proficient flier, unless I am assisted by an experienced pilot. 4.
Warranty Information Warranty Period Exclusive Warranty- Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products purchased (the "Product") will be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase by the Purchaser. If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this Product, you are advised to return this Product immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.
Non-Warranty Repairs Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair will be completed and payment will be required without notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair without notification. Repair estimates are available upon request. You must include this request with your repair. Non-warranty repair estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor.
Compliance Information for the European Union The following information is for item numbers: HAN4400EU1, HAN4400EU2, HAN4400UK1, HAN4400UK2 The following information is for item numbers: HAN4400FR1, HAN4400FR2 AT DK HU LV RO BG ES IE MT SE CZ FI IT NL SI CY FR LT PL SK DE GR LU PT UK Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the European Union This product must not be disposed of with other waste.
© 2010 Horizon Hobby, Inc. 12843.1 12843.1_HAN_Alpha40_SpektrumManual.
